Message from the Superintendent
July 24, 2007
Welcome to the Berkshire Local School District , celebrating forty years of service to the communities of Troy, Burton and Claridon Townships and the village of Burton. The district has been rated excellent by the Ohio Department of Education rankings for 2006-07.
We are located in Northeastern Ohio in beautiful Geauga County approximately 30 miles east of Cleveland. Despite our proximity to that city, the area maintains a distinctly rural flavor. The rolling wooded landscape supports a picturesque farming community that includes part of the second largest Amish population in Ohio. Among the district’s residences, one finds many homes that typify the architectural styles of the Western Reserve.
Since its founding in June of 1967 ,the school district has had a strong reputation of academic success. Our two elementary buildings ( Burton and Troy) are staffed by educators who recognize the importance of the partnership between home and school and community Berkshire Junior-Senior High School continues to build upon that relationship as students prepare to enter the world of higher education or the workplace.In the academic year ending in June 2007 we are pleased to report over 88% of our graduates went on to college , helped by the $1,000,000 in scholarships they secured.We offer a wide range of academic offerings, including Special Education and Gifted Services. We had the highest percentage of Grade 10 students passing all five sections of the Ohio Graduation Test in Lake or Geauga County. All this at the second lowest per pupil cost in the county.
In addition, a large number of Berkshire's secondary students participate in some form of extracurricular activity. An array of opportunities exist in the areas of athletics and the performing arts for our Grade 7-12 students.
Several community organizations offer tremendous support to our schools. The respective Parent-Teacher Organizations, the Athletic Booster Club, Purple Pride, the Tunebackers and a host of business and community agencies offer input, assistance, and support. We are indeed fortunate to have such a wide range of talents and abilities available to address the scholastic and recreational needs of our children.
Planning for a consolidated elementary campus will be completed in the 07-08 school year as the district prepares to close Troy School. Technology upgrades including updating three computer labs, a new phone system, and a reverse 911 ability are all in store for 2007-08.
Our educational staff (administrators, certified, and classified) are dedicated to the pursuit of learning both inside and outside the walls of the classroom. Professional development is encouraged at the district and individual levels. The most critical characteristics sought in new teachers is that of a “caring and competent” attitude. While professional skills and content area knowledge are important, they can be learned and refined much more easily than can attitudes. We want our staff to promote safe secure learning environments for our young people. As a community that encourages support for each other, we can do just that.
Our students are arguably our greatest asset. We are privileged to work with such fantastic young people, the vast majority of whom take seriously their social and academic duties. They are a direct reflection of the values that are fostered in the homes and institutions of the Berkshire community.
Please contact me at any time for further information or to share your comments, questions or concerns. My office number is 834 3380(extension 2106) or click on this link:
Sincerely,
Jim Knapp
Superintendent
